Education Commons^™

Pierce Wins Ouachita's Virginia Queen Piano Competition, Second Year In A Row, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Andrew Pierce, a sophomore music and biology double major from Benton, Ark., at Ouachita Baptist University, was awarded first place in the 2023 Virginia Queen Piano Competition. Held Friday, Feb. 3, in McBeth Recital Hall, the competition was hosted by the Division of Music in Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts.

Following his first-place win in the 2022 competition, Pierce won a $500 cash prize this year for his performance of Franz Liszt’s “Liebestraum in A-flat Major, S. 541, No. 3” and “Virtuoso Etude No. 4,” based on George Gershwin’s “Embraceable You,” arranged by Earl Wild. Pierce is a student of …

Ouachita's Department Of Theatre Arts Presents The Musical "Mary Poppins" From April 20-23, Emma Dennis, Shelby Tripcony, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Department of Theatre Arts in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its spring musical, “Mary Poppins,” from Thursday-Sunday, April 20-23 in Jones Performing Arts Center. Performances will begin Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice.

Based on the book series “Mary Poppins” by P.L. Travers, the story follows the Banks family as they employ a new nanny, Mary Poppins, who magically shows up at their door and changes the environment of their household.

Hardin And Holloway To Perform Sophomore Recitals March 31, Anna Roussel, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present Amaya Hardin and Brandon Holloway in their sophomore voice recitals Friday, March 31, at 2 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.

Ouachita Alumni Further Technology In Schools With Apptegy, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University has sustained momentum in equipping students for postgraduate success, consistently reporting career outcomes rates that far exceed the national average. Graduates are pursuing opportunities in a variety of fields, including technology. For example, five alumni working at Apptegy, an education software company in Little Rock, Ark., are developing software for K-12 school marketing. Their contributions include software engineering, designing user-friendly interfaces and ensuring client success with Apptegy products.

Chamber Winds To Feature Student Compositions During March 28 Concert At Ouachita, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its Chamber Winds spring concert Tuesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

“I love hearing our students have the opportunity to perform in smaller chamber ensembles,” said Dr. Caroline Taylor, dean of the School of Fine Arts and professor of music at Ouachita. “It gives them wonderful experience working independently and playing music written specifically for their groups.”

Ouachita Students Win Multiple Awards At Midwest Model United Nations Conference, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Seven students from Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Political Science participated in the Midwest Model United Nations, held Feb. 22-25 in St. Louis, Mo. Each received recognition for excellence.

Ouachita’s delegates were Caroline Derby, a senior communications & media/multimedia and political science double major from Arkadelphia, Ark.; Katie Henry, a junior political science and history double major from Little Rock, Ark.; Elise Hicks, a senior political science major from Benton, Ark.; Noah Sanders, a senior Christian studies/biblical studies & theology and political science double major from Little Rock, Ark.; Sarah Spakes, a senior political science and public history double major …

Dr. Jack's Business Growing With A Focus On Missions, Kaelin Clay, Ouachita News Bureau

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Since school began in August, students in Ouachita Baptist University’s Hickingbotham School of Business and Rogers Department of Communications have met on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. to relaunch the student-led Dr. Jack’s Coffee.

Dr. Jack’s was established in 2013, but the business struggled through the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath. The new student leadership team is finalizing a business plan, working with a partner to create a website, and establishing a mission, all while keeping the business’ focus on service and students.

Isabella Owen Wins 25th Shambarger Competition At Ouachita, Kelsey Bester, Ouachita News Bureau

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Isabella Owen, a senior music major from Jonesboro, Ark., won the 25th Annual Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers held Tuesday, Feb. 21, in McBeth Recital Hall at Ouachita Baptist University. Hosted by the Division of Music in Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts, the competition is named for the late Mary Shambarger, professor emerita of music at Ouachita. Shambarger served on the music faculty for 32 years, teaching voice and directing student choral groups until her retirement in 1998.

Return To Sundance, Emma Dennis, Office Of Communications & Marketing

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Every other spring, Dr. Rebecca Jones, professor of communications at Ouachita, takes a group of students from the OBU at Sundance class to Park City, Utah, to experience the Sundance Film Festival. This was the first year for the trip since the COVID-19 pandemic. Jones and 12 students – some of whom experienced Sundance virtually in 2021 – spent Jan. 22-27 in Utah participating in the festival.

Some of the year’s favorite movies are shown for the first time at Sundance; many are later picked up by larger companies for widespread release. Getting to see any of these films is …

Courtney Ragsdell Receives Bsn Young Leadership Award, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

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Courtney Myers Ragsdell, a senior nursing major at Ouachita Baptist University, received the 2022 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Young Leadership Award as a part of the “40 Nurse Leaders Under 40” leadership program from the Arkansas Center for Nursing, Inc.

The ACN presents this award to the top five BSN students in the state, recognizing recipients for their commitment to service, dedication and leadership for the advancement of nursing in Arkansas.

Ragsdell, from Kansas City, Mo., received her award in the fall during a ceremony held at the Benton Event Center.

Ouachita's Adams Department Of Art & Design To Host Guest Exhibits Through March, Kelsey Bester, Ouachita News Bureau

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Two exhibits featuring a variety of media are on display through March 31 in Ouachita Baptist University’s Adams Gallery of Moses-Provine Hall. The exhibits feature work by guest artists Dean Dablow and Anne Greenwood and are hosted by the Rosemary Gossett Adams Department of Art & Design. The exhibits are free and open to the public.

Mixed media pieces included in “Anne Greenwood: Nature is a Haunted House” can be found in Gallery 1, on the first floor of Moses-Provine. “Dean Dablow: Everything is Abstract,” a collection of sculpture, photography and paintings, is located in Gallery 2 on the second …

Ouachitonian Yearbook Honored For Excellence By Jostens, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s student yearbook the Ouachitonian received a 2022 National Yearbook Program of Excellence award from Jostens Company.

Based in Minneapolis, Minn., Jostens produces college yearbooks nationwide, including the Ouachitonian. The company’s National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body. Gold-, silver- or bronze-level distinction is awarded to publications based on criteria achieved in one to three of the following categories: creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement and successfully managing the yearbook creation process.

Awards are presented in spring and fall of each year. Winners of the Fall …

Haley Shourd Crowned 2023 Miss Ouachita Baptist University, Kaelin Clay, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Miss Ouachita Baptist Scholarship Competition took place Saturday, Feb. 4, in Jones Performing Arts Center where sophomore communications & media major Haley Shourd was crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University. Shourd, 20, is a Conway, Ark., native.

Ouachita Theatre Department Presents All Night Theatre Festival On March 12, Kelsey Bester, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Theatre Arts will present its 23^rd annual All-Night Theatre: A 10-Minute Play Festival on Saturday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Verser Theatre. Hosted by the Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society, the festival is entirely student-run and is open to the public. Admission is free.

Following the performances, the playwrights and directors will allow the audience to ask questions about the plays.

Students are given the opportunity to submit a 10-minute play to be read and chosen for the festival by a panel of faculty and students. Each play is given a …

Ouachita To Host Keeping Faith Conference March 28-29, Addie Woods, Anna Roussel, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s community & family services program in the Pruet School of Christian Studies and the Title IX department will host a conference titled “Keeping Faith” to help faith-based communities learn how to recognize and respond to all forms of child abuse. The two-day training will be held March 28-29 in Walker Conference Center. Admission is $15; Ouachita students and staff will be admitted free.

Ouachita's Wind Ensemble Presents Concert March 6, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music in the School of Fine Arts will present the Wind Ensemble in a spring concert Monday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

Cordell Hufstedler To Perform Junior Recital At Ouachita, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present Cordell Hufstedler in his junior vocal recital on Friday, March 3, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

Hufstedler is a junior vocal performance major from Thayer, Mo. His principal applied instructor is Dr. Margaret Garrett, professor of music at Ouachita.

Developing Students' Leadership Potential (Why I'M Optimistic About Today's High School Seniors), Ben Sells

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Why leadership matters.

I’m 60 years old, but I clearly remember the spring of my senior year in high school. I grew up in a small town in Missouri. After spending a week in Washington D.C., I returned home dreaming about a career in politics and government. I thought it could be a meaningful way to make a difference. (I also had decided to give up my dream of being an NBA basketball player given I’m five foot five.)

To help me take the next step in that dream, I spent the summer volunteering full-time for a little-known state-wide candidate. …

Ouachita's Spring Enrollment Highest In 26 Years, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Following record fall enrollment, Ouachita Baptist University has reported its highest spring headcount in more than 26 years with a total Spring 2023 enrollment of 1,682.

Ouachita is sustaining momentum in student recruitment and retention; total Ouachita enrollment increased 17% the past six years while many colleges and universities have reported enrollment decreases.

Creating Community, One Amazing Dish At A Time, Kelsey Bester, Office Of Communications & Marketing

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Ouachita Baptist University has been a home away from home for students from all over the world. Although Ouachita was founded in 1886, the first international student only stepped onto campus in 1923 and came all the way from China. In 2023, we have reached 100 celebratory years since Ouachita’s first international student arrived, and our campus continues to value the attendance and presence of international students.

More than 100 countries have been represented at Ouachita by our international students. Through this common ground, a strong international community has been fostered among them. International students find strength and safety in …

Ouachita Reports 99% Placement Rate For 2022 Graduates, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University reported that 99% of its 2022 graduates are employed or furthering their education, repeating a career outcomes rate that exceeds the most recent national average of 84% and reflects the university’s sustained momentum in equipping students for postgraduate success.

The 2022 career outcomes rate is based on responses by graduating seniors to Ouachita’s First Destination Survey, as well as information gathered and confirmed utilizing personal relationships and social media.

Ouachita Announces Students Named To The Fall 2022 Dean's List, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University has named 388 students to its Dean’s List for Fall 2022.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must compile a 3.5–3.9 grade point average and be classified as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 academic hours and no incomplete or failing grade for the semester.

Ouachita Announces Students Named To The Fall 2022 President's List, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University has named 382 students to its Fall 2022 President’s List.

To be named to the President’s List, a student must compile a grade point average of 4.0 and be classified as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 academic hours and no incomplete or failing grade for the semester.

5 Tips To Make Acquiring Career Experience Less Overwhelming, Madison Cresswell, Office Of Communications & Marketing

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Whether you are a senior in high school or about to graduate from college, it is never a bad idea to gain job experience. Most professional careers require employees to have some – if not significant – experience in their chosen field in order to be hired.

What are you waiting for? The thought of doing something new might be intimidating, but if you think about it: everyone had to start somewhere! Here are five ways to gain experience, get your foot in the door and prepare for your future career.

Three Ouachita Seniors Intern For U.S. Sen. John Boozman, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Three students from Ouachita Baptist University completed a five-week congressional internship for U.S. Sen. John Boozman this summer. Noah Sanders, a senior political science and Christian studies double major from Little Rock, Ark., and Sarah Spakes, a senior political science and public history double major from Benton, Ark., interned in Boozman’s Washington, D.C., office while Kathryn Totty, a senior political science and communications & media double major from Camden, Ark., interned in Boozman’s El Dorado office.

Spinning The Wheel And Chasing A Dream, Sarah Spakes, Office Of Communications & Marketing

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Hollywood really is where the American dream is made.

Growing up, I watched “Wheel of Fortune” every night with my parents. I still watch with them when I’m home. Usually, I answered correctly the most quickly. Several times, my parents suggested that I apply to “Wheel of Fortune.”

During Christmas Break 2021, we were watching “Wheel of Fortune.” One commercial showed Pat Sajak and Vanna White telling viewers how to apply to become a contestant on the show. All you had to do was submit a video introducing yourself and explaining why you would be a great fit.

My boyfriend …

Honoring The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rickey Rogers

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As we reflect on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, it is important to remember that Dr. King was a civil rights activist who fought continuously for racial equality and social justice. Dr. King condemned discrimination and segregation because of race, and he affirmed that the American dream belonged to all citizens and that everyone should have an equal opportunity to reach that dream.

Dr. King emphasized nonviolent protests and unity's importance as he fought for justice. I remember reading a quote: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’"

Dr. King did not …